WPS Agenda 01/18/2012CAC
WIGGIN'S PASS
SUBCOMMITTEE
MEETING
AGENDA
JANUARY 18, 2012
MEETING AGENDA
WIGGINS PASS SUBCOMMITTEE
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 18, 2012 — 9:00 A.M. TILL 12:00 P.M.
HUMAN RESOURCE TRAINING ROOM, 3303 TAMIAMI TRAIL E., NAPLES
I. Call to Order
II. Pledge of Allegiance
III. Roll Call
IV. Changes and Approval of Agenda
V. Public Comments
VI. Approval of Minutes
1. December 19, 2011
VII. Staff Reports
VIII. New Business
1. Response to FDEP RAI No. 1
2. Response to USACE Comments to JCP Application 011512
IX. Old Business
X. Announcements
Wiggins Pass Subcommittee Scheduled Meetings
XI. Committee Member Discussion
XII. Next Meeting Date /Location
February 21, 2012 Risk Management Training Room, 3311 Tamiami Trail East
9:OOam
XIII. Adjournment
* Public speakers are requested to do the following for any items presented to the Board.
Each document should display the presenter's name and title of document. Provide a total
of 7 copies of each handout, to be distributed as follows: 3 Board Members; I Minute
Taker, I County Attorney; 2 CZM Staff members.
* The following websites will provide information, agendas and dates for this subcommittee:
http: / /www.collier,-ov.netllndex aspx?naze =18
http://www.collier. ov.net/lndex aspx?paQe =2390
All interested partied are invited to attend, and to register to speak and to submit their objections, if any, in writing, to the board prior
to the meeting if applicable.
For more information, please contact Gail D. Hambright at (239) 252 -2966.
Collier County Government k"10 . oi"09"
Communication & Customer Relations
Contact: 239 - 252 -8848
3299 Tamiami Trail East, Suite 102 vA ww.collier1!ov.net
Naples, FL 34112 -5746 www.twitter.com/CollierPIO
www.facebook.com/CollierGov
www.youtube.com/CollierGov
January 3, 2012
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING
COASTAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE — WIGGINS PASS SUBCOMMITTEE
COLLIER COUNTY, FLORIDA
MONDAY, JANUARY 18, 2012
9:00 A.M.
Notice is hereby given that the Coastal Advisory Committee — Wiggins Pass Subcommittee will meet
Monday, January 18`h, at 9:00 a.m. in the Human Resource Training Room, Collier County Government
Center, 3303 Tamiami Trail East, Naples.
The following websites will provide information on this subcommittee:
http: / /www. collier ,00v.netllnder.awx ?ngee =18 http: / /www.colliert!ov .net /Index.aspx ?page =2894
Two or more members of the City of Naples City Council, City of Marco Island City Council, Tourist
Development Council and the Pelican Bay Services Division may be present and may participate at the
meeting. The subject matter of this meeting may be a future item for discussion and action at these Board
meetings.
In regard to the public meeting:
All interested parties are invited to attend, and to register to speak and to submit their objections, if any, in
writing, to the board/committee prior to the meeting if applicable. All registered public speakers will be
limited to three minutes unless permission for additional time is granted by the chairman.
Collier County Ordinance No. 2004 -05 requires that all lobbyists shall, before engaging in any lobbying
activities (including, but not limited to, addressing the Board of County Commissioners, an advisory board
or quasi-judicial board), register with the Clerk to the Board at the Board Minutes and Records Department.
If you are a person with a disability who needs any accommodation in order to participate in this proceeding,
you are entitled, at no cost to you, to the provision of certain assistance. Please contact the Collier County
Facilities Management Department, located at 3335 Tamiami Trail East, Suite 101, Naples, FL 34112 -5356,
(239) 252 -8380, at least two days prior to the meeting. Assisted listening devices for the hearing impaired
are available in the Board of County Commissioners Office.
WIGGINS PASS MAINTENANCE DREDGING AND
NAVIGATION IMPROVEMENT PROJECT
DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL DATA
COLLIER COUNTY, FLORIDA
Prepared for:
Collier County
Prepared by:
Coastal Planning & Engineering, Inc.
2481 N.W. Boca Raton Blvd.
Boca Raton, Florida 33431
December 2011
WIGGINS PASS MAINTENANCE DREDGING AND
NAVIGATION IMPROVEMENT PROJECT
COLLIER COUNTY, FLORIDA
DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL DATA
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
According to Collier County Land Development Code (LDC) 10.02.02.A, environmental data
must be submitted to ensure that the proposed project meets the land development standards
contained within the LDC. Environmental data must be prepared in support of a Special
Treatment Permit approval. Special Treatment (ST) Overlays (LDC 02.03.07) are areas within
the County which, "because of their unique assemblages of flora and/or fauna, their aesthetic
appeal, historic or archeological significance, rarity in the County, or their contribution to their
own and adjacent ecosystems, make them worthy of special regulations." Such areas include
mangrove and freshwater swamps, barrier islands, hardwood hammocks, and coastal beaches, all
of which fall within the vicinity of Wiggins Pass. The purpose of the ST designation is to assure
the preservation and maintenance of these resources. The areas adjacent to Wiggins Pass
(Barefoot Beach to the north and Delnor- Wiggins Pass State Park to the south) are zoned as
Conservation — Special Treatment Areas; therefore, special attention must be paid to ensure that
the project preserves and maintains these areas. This environmental data is also submitted in
support of Collier County's Growth Management Plan (GMP); specifically, the Conservation &
Coastal Management Element (COME) Goal 10, which states that "the County shall protect,
conserve, manage, and appropriately use its coastal barriers including shorelines, beaches and
dunes and will plan for, and where appropriate, will restrict activities where such activities will
damage or destroy coastal resources."
This Environmental Data Submittal includes the information required in LDC 10.02.02.A, where
applicable to the Wiggins Pass Maintenance Dredging and Navigation Improvement Project.
This environmental data includes information on natural communities, vegetation, and listed
species within and adjacent to the project area, including both terrestrial and marine habitats;
however, construction of this project will occur almost entirely in the marine environment. The
Wiggins Pass Maintenance Dredging and Navigation Improvement Project is a non - structural
solution designed to improve navigation and to address the critical erosion issue at Barefoot
Beach. This project will not involve the removal of any native vegetation or wetlands, and
avoidance measures will be incorporated during dredging to avoid impacts to seagrass resources.
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COASTAL PLANNING & ENGINEERING, INC.
WIGGINS PASS MAINTENANCE DREDGING AND
NAVIGATION IMPROVEMENT PROJECT
COLLIER COUNTY, FLORIDA
DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL DATA
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.0
INTRODUCTION ........................................................................... ..............................1
1.1 PROJECT DESCRIPTION ............................................... ............................... 1
1.2 PROJECT PERMITTING ................................................ ...............................
4
2.0
ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING .....................................................
..............................4
2.1 PROJECT LOCATION
.................................................... ...............................
4
2.2 SPECIAL TREATMENT OVERLAYS ........................... ...............................
6
2.3 NATURAL COMMUNITIES .......................................... ...............................
6
2.3.1 Beach and Dune System, and Upland Areas ........ ...............................
7
2.3.2 Estuarine Resources .............................................. ...............................
8
2.3.3 Nearshore Gulf of Mexico .................................... ...............................
9
3.0
THREATENED AND ENDANGERED SPECIES ....................... .............................12
4.0
CONSERVATION MEASURES ................................................... .............................16
5.0
LITERATURE CITED ................................................................... .............................16
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure No.
1 Project component map ................................................................... ..............................2
2 Project location map ........................................................................ ..............................5
3 Zoning districts and Special Treatment (ST) overlays adjacent to Wiggins Pass ......... 6
4 Natural resources in the vicinity of Wiggins Pass ......................... ..............................1 l
LIST OF TABLES
Table No.
1 Wiggins Pass channel dimensions ................................................... ..............................3
2 Listed species with the potential to occur in project area ............... .............................13
3 Barefoot Beach and Delnor- Wiggins Pass State Park sea turtle nesting, 2005- 2010..14
4 Sea turtle nesting adjacent to Wiggins Pass, 2005- 2010 ................ .............................15
5 Summary of gopher tortoise burrow observations for summer 2009 ..........................15
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COASTAL PLANNING & ENGINEERING, INC.
WIGGINS PASS MAINTENANCE DREDGING AND
NAVIGATION IMPROVEMENT PROJECT
COLLIER COUNTY, FLORIDA
DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL DATA
LIST OF APPENDICES
Appendix
A Joint Coastal Permit (JCP) Application, Submitted February, 17, 2010 (on CD)
B FDEP and USACE RAI's and Responses
C Engineering Study
D Barefoot Beach Land Management Plan
E Delnor- Wiggins Pass State Park Unit Management Plan
F Benthic Resource (Seagrass) Surveys
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COASTAL PLANNING & ENGINEERING, INC.
WIGGINS PASS MAINTENANCE DREDGING AND
NAVIGATION IMPROVEMENT PROJECT
COLLIER COUNTY, FLORIDA
DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL DATA
1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The goals of the Wiggins Pass Maintenance Dredging and Navigation Improvement Project are:
1. To Provide a safe channel for boating
2. To address erosion at Barefoot Beach
3. To lengthen the dredge cycle, accomplished with the least impact on the environment
4. To provide a solution that is economically effective.
A non - structural alternative is an objective for the inlet design in order to improve navigation.
The committee, which formulated the main goals for Wiggins Pass, represented a broad range of
local stake holders appointed by the County government.
Figure 1: Project component map.
The project recommended in the 2009 modeling study and based on comments generated by the
2010 permit application is summarized below. Refinements were developed during the last year
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COASTAL PLANNING & ENGINEERING, INC.
based on a new field investigations and further consultation with agencies. It addresses not only
navigation, but also improved sand bypassing, modifications to channel dredging, improved
locations for sand disposal and an updated inlet management study. It accomplishes improved
navigation and sediment management by a combination of straightening the channel, major and
small maintenance dredging and new sand disposal practices, as illustrated in Figure 1. Almost
every task listed below contributes to both navigation and inlet management, and further
refinements to this plan are expected. It also addresses balancing inlet bypassing based on
Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) inlet management principles. A 10-
year plan is proposed to achieve the project goals.
Each of the following 5 tasks supports improved navigation and inlet management:
1) Initial construction of straightened channel
i) Dredge compatible sand from ebb channel —41,000 cy (range 24,000 to 58,000 cy)
ii) Dredge flood channel — 36,400 cy
iii) Dredge incompatible material — 7,500 cy
iv) Build beach, nearshore, ebb shoal and scour repair with compatible sand — 38,200 cy
v) Fill meander with compatible sand — 39,200 cy
vi) Upland or offshore borrow pit disposal of unsuitable sand -7,500 cy
2) Major maintenance dredging — 50,000 cy every 4 years with disposal balanced to favor
adjacent Gulf shoreline with greatest need based on equalizing volumetric changes.
i) Place beach compatible sand in beach, nearshore or ebb shoal.
3) Intermediate ebb channel dredging as needed
i) Excavate and clear ebb channel at the bar and laterally place approximatlely 8- 10,000
cy in the north ebb shoal to promote regrowth.
4) Create contingency, monitoring, and inlet management plans
i) No direct mitigation expected
5) Nourish critically eroded area on Barefoot Beach and rebuild ebb shoal every 10 years with
100,000 cy to supplement bypassing until the shoreline and shoal recovers (this is part of a
separate permit and project).
The plan addresses concerns expressed by FDEP Bureau of Beaches and Coastal Systems
(BBCS) and Park Service, and other local interest groups.
A structural solution using a jetty, breakwater or T -groin has been suggested as an economical
alternative, but is not supported by FDEP BBCS or local policy and plans. Given the local
coastal processes, a simple but workable structure would be difficult.
Intermediate and small scale dredging to clear the channel at the bar and pumping dredge
material to an area approximately 300 -1000 feet north of the inlet would serve three purposes.
Clearing the channel and feeding the re- growth of the ebb shoal are two of these purposes. If
dredging could be conducted using smaller equipment during the calmer times of the year, it
would also be very economical.
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COASTAL PLANNING & ENGINEERING, INC.
The method for determining the size and location of bypassing operations between the north and
south beaches will be based on equalizing the volumetric change rate for an equal distance north
and south of the inlet based on the 2001 surveyed profiles. Only volumes dredged in the ebb
shoal will count, since flood shoal dredge and fill operations are a zero sum operation.
Each of the 5 tasks above supports improved navigation and inlet management. The engineering
report has identified three reasons why the 1995 inlet plan did not perform. First, the sediment
transport direction is not predominately southerly. The disposal location and a 50:50 split of
bypassed sand to adjacent beaches was imbalanced. The sand needs to be disposed of closer to
the inlet and approximately 2/3 needs to go to the north. This imbalance disposal since 1984
needs short term supplemental sand to address past practices. The new plan addresses the
imbalance, recovery of the north ebb shoal, the Barefoot Beach hot spot south of R -14 and
improving navigation. The size of the new channel is summarized in Table 1.
Table 1. Wiggins Pass channel dimensions
Station
Location
Bottom Width
ft
Depth (ft,
NAVD )
Overdred e ft
15 +00
Ebb Shoal
240
-12.0
1.0
0 +00
Ebb Shoal
160
-12.0
1.0
C6
Throat
160
-7.7
1.0
C10
Flood Shoal
130
-7.7
1.0
C15
Flood Shoal
130
-7.7
1.0
C26
East Channel
82
-7.0
1.0
C31
South Channel
123
-7.2
1.0
C35 I
North Channel
70
-7.0
1.0
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COASTAL PLANNING & ENGINEERING, INC.
1.2 PROJECT PERMITTING
Collier County submitted a Joint Coastal Permit (JCP) application to FDEP and U.S. Army
Corps of Engineers ( USACE) on February 17, 2010. A copy of this complete JCP application
and all supporting attachments is provided as Appendix A on the enclosed CD. The FDEP and
USACE issued RAI's on March 24, 2010 and March 19, 2010, respectively. These RAI's and
their corresponding responses are provided as Appendix B.
At the request of FDEP Bureau of Beaches and Coastal Systems (BBCS) staff, Coastal Planning
& Engineering, Inc. (CPE) prepared an engineering study, which was submitted to FDEP on
2012. This engineering study is provided as Appendix C.
Collier County will also be applying for a Special Treatment (ST) permit, Coastal Construction
Setback Line (CCSL) permit and Vehicle on the Beach (VOB) permit at the appropriate time.
2.0 ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING
2.1 PROJECT LOCATION
Collier County is located on the Gulf of Mexico in Southwest Florida, approximately 115 miles
south of the entrance of Tampa Bay (Figure 1). The Everglades lie to the southeast. Collier
County has 35 miles of accessible coastline, consisting of a series of barrier islands and mainland
extensions sub - divided by lagoons, rivers, and inlets. Collier County has six inlets north of the
Ten Thousand Islands, with Wiggins Pass being the farthest north.
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COASTAL PLANNING & ENGINEERING, INC.
Figure 2. Project location map.
Wiggins Pass is located 5 miles north of Clam Pass and 5.9 miles south of Big Hickory Pass.
Wiggins Pass is a natural inlet which provides access to the Gulf of Mexico for a number of
embayments and rivers along three main interior channels. The eastern channel connects to the
Cocohatchee River. The southern channel connects to Water Turkey Bay and Vanderbilt Lagoon,
and the northern channel connects to the lagoon between Little Hickory Island and the mainland.
This northern lagoon consists of a number of embayments including May Flower, Palm Vines,
Little Hickory Bays, and eventually connects to Big Hickory Pass. There is no interior waterway
connection south to Clam Pass. Population centers near the pass include Vanderbilt Beach and
Naples Park to the south and Bonita Shores to the north. Wiggins Pass is bounded by public
lands which extend 7,950 linear feet to the north and 6,010 linear feet to the south. Barefoot
Beach Preserve lies to the north and Delnor- Wiggins Pass State Park is to the south.
Wiggins Pass is currently dredged at regular intervals of approximately 2 years to maintain
navigable depths for recreational boaters. The pass provides boat access to the Gulf from inland
waterways and lagoons at Vanderbilt Beach, the Cocohatchee River, Wiggins Pass Marina, and
several other private and public marinas and ramps. The dredged channel extends from the inlet
throat to about 1,200 feet offshore. Periodic dredging has occurred at the intersection of the
interior channels. Disposal areas are located north of the inlet between R11.4 to R14.2 and south
of the inlet between R18 and R20.5. The inlet has been dredged since 1984 under two previous
permits. The history of Wiggins Pass inlet management is included in the engineering study,
provided here as Appendix C.
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COASTAL PLANNING & ENGINEERING, INC.
2.2 SPECIAL TREATEMENT OVERLAYS
Special Treatment (ST) overlays (LDC 02.03.07) are areas within the County which, "because of
their unique assemblages of flora and/or fauna, their aesthetic appeal, historic or archeological
significance, rarity in the County, or their contribution to their own and adjacent ecosystems,
make them worthy of special regulations." Such areas include mangrove and freshwater swamps,
barrier islands, hardwood hammocks, and coastal beaches, all of which fall within the Wiggins
Pass project vicinity (Figure 3). The purpose of the ST is to assure the preservation and
maintenance of these resources. Further information regarding ST districts can be found in
Collier County's Land Development Code (LDC), sections 2.03.07.D, 3.03.02.B, 4.02.12.E -H,
and 10.02.06.D.
rigure 3. Zoning districts and Special Treatment (ST) overlays adjacent to Wiggins Pass.
(CON = Conservation Zoning District, A = Agricultural Zoning District)
2.3 NATURAL COMMUNITY
Wiggins Pass is a relatively large area of mangrove swamp, with a series of shallow coastal bays
connecting the Cocohatchee River to the Gulf of Mexico. The pass is bordered to the north by
Barefoot Beach Preserve and to the south by Delnor- Wiggins State Park.
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COASTAL PLANNING & ENGINEERING, INC.
The natural resources of the project area are comprised of three major resource classifications
including: the beach and dune system, and upland areas; estuarine resources; and the nearshore
Gulf of Mexico. The marine and estuarine environments surrounding Wiggins Pass are directly
influenced by the pass, which allows for the mixing of Gulf and estuarine waters. Temperature
and salinity regimes are predominantly controlled by the tide. The pass provides access for a
variety of estuarine -marine migratory species, including snook and mullet. The following
descriptions of the natural resources are based on available references and on -site investigations.
Detailed descriptions of the habitats found north and south of Wiggins Pass can be found in the
Barefoot Beach Land Management Plan (Appendix D (pp. 5 -11; Appendix E; Appendix I)) and
Delnor- Wiggins Pass State Park Unit Management Plan (Appendix E (pp. 9 -20)).
2.3.1 Beach and Dune System, and Upland Areas
Beaches
The sandy beaches surrounding Wiggins Pass are characteristic of low energy shorelines, having
a relatively gentle, shallow offshore slope. These beaches, as well as inshore and offshore
sandbars, provide a resting and foraging habitat for shorebirds and wading birds. Species
commonly observed in these areas include pelicans, herons, egrets, gulls, terns, plovers,
sandpipers and small passerine species (Townsend and Olson, 2007). The beaches also provide
foraging habitat for a few terrestrial mammals, such as raccoons and squirrels. Other organisms
inhabiting the beach zone include amphipods, isopods, coquina clams (Donax variabilis),
polychaete worms, and various crabs such as mole crabs (Emerita talpoida) and the common
ghost crab (Ocypode sp.). The beaches provide nesting habitat for sea turtles, primarily the
loggerhead sea turtle ( Caretta caretta). Nesting data for the years 2005- 2010 are provided below
in Section 3.0.
Dune System and Upland Areas
Wiggins Pass is bounded on the north by Barefoot Beach Preserve and on the south by Delnor-
Wiggins Pass State Park. Both of these natural areas support coastal dune /upland habitat. The
habitat can be divided into four west - east zones or parallel bands of vegetation, including the
pioneer zone, foredune, coastal strand, and maritime hammock (Townsend and Olson, 2007).
The upper beach, or pioneer zone, is sparsely populated with salt - tolerant vines and grasses such
as sea oats (Uniola paniculata). This band of vegetation extends the length of the beach and
provides natural erosion protection to the beach dune. This zone is periodically disturbed by storm
waves or high tides and is subsequently recolonized by pioneer species.
Landward of the pioneer zone is the foredune, colonized by low bush species such as inkberry
(Scaevola plumieri) and bay cedar (Suriana maritima). The native foredune vegetation has been
replaced by the exotic Australian pine (Casuarina equisetifolia) in some places. This habitat
zone is utilized by the gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus), a state - listed species of special
concern and a candidate species for federal listing (see Section 3.0).
The coastal strand is a transitional zone between the foredune and maritime hammock. In
addition to sea oats and bay cedar, the coastal strand supports small trees and shrubs such as
seagrape (Cocoloba uvifera), necklace pod (Sophora tomentosa), and saw palmetto (Serenoa
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COASTAL PLANNING & ENGINEERING, INC.
repens). Both Australian pines and the exotic Brazilian pepper (Schinus terebinthifolius) can
shade out native vegetation in this zone. The coastal strand also provides valuable gopher
tortoise habitat.
Landward of the coastal strand is a stable backdune community called the maritime hammock.
The western portion of this habitat is composed primarily of cabbage palm (Sabal palmetto)
stands with large open areas in between. Small hardwood trees grow interspersed within the
cabbage palms. Vines are common, as well as low shrub and ground cover such as beach lantana
(Lantana involucrata), Spanish needles (Bidens alba) and blue porterweed (Stachytarpheta
jamaicensis). The maritime hammock includes a diverse plant community and serves as prime
gopher tortoise habitat.
2.3.2 Estuarine Resources
Estuarine wetlands within the Wiggins Pass project area include the tidal wetlands and
submerged habitats within and adjacent to the pass. East of the pass, several finger canals and a
connecting channel have been dredged for boat access from adjacent marinas and developed
areas. With the exception of periodic dredging through the navigational channels, the remaining
tidal and submerged wetlands within the project area are primarily undeveloped and retain their
natural characteristics. These shallow estuarine waters and the adjacent tidal areas support
productive mangrove forests, and seagrass, algal, and oyster beds.
These tidal and submerged wetlands serve as important breeding, feeding and nursery grounds
for numerous fish and invertebrates such as crabs and shrimp. Birds, such as egrets, terns, and
herons, forage on small invertebrates and fish found in the tidal flats and within the pass.
Common infauna include ghost crabs, mole crabs, coquina clams, and various polychaetes,
amphipods and isopods. Like many of the intertidal animals found in this zone, coquina clams
and mole crabs are preyed upon by shorebirds and fish, thus providing a vital trophic link within
this community. Additionally, the sandy shoal areas within the project area, primarily along the
north end of Delnor- Wiggins Pass State Park, are important to horseshoe crabs (Limulus
polyphemus), which spawn along the wet beaches of the project area (Robert Steiger, pers.
comm., 2011). The eggs of the horseshoe crab are, in turn, an important food source for foraging
red knots (Calidris canutus), a species that winters in Florida. Due to overfishing, horseshoe crab
populations have declined over recent years; as a result, red knot numbers have also dropped
dramatically.
Manatees (Trichechus manatus latirostris) and bottle -nosed dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) are
also common in the area, and have been observed within Wiggins Pass.
Mangroves
Extensive mangrove forests, including red mangrove (Rhizophora mangle), black mangrove
(Avicennia germinans) and white mangrove (Laguncularia racemosa), fringe the waterways,
while small red mangrove islands dot the estuary. Red and black mangroves dominate those
areas which are frequently inundated by normal tidal action while white mangroves and
buttonwoods (Conocarpus erectus) are usually found at slightly higher elevations where tidal
inundation is less frequent. These forests provide both habitat and foraging areas for various
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COASTAL PLANNING & ENGINEERING, INC.
species of birds, crabs and other invertebrates, and the subtidal mangrove roots serve as nursery
grounds for fish species such as snook (Centropomus undecimalis), mullet (Mugil cephalus) and
sea trout (Cynoscion nebulosus).
Seagrass
Several field investigations over the years conducted by CPE and others have revealed scattered
seagrass beds throughout the project area, found in sparse to moderate density (Figure 4). Three
species have been observed in the area, including Cuban shoal grass (Halodule wrightii), turtle
grass (Thalassia testudinum), and paddle grass (Halophila decipiens), although shoal grass is
overwhelmingly the most common species observed. These beds are typically found along the
shallow shelf lining the main navigational channel, and within the shallow protected areas
fringing the small mangrove islands. No seagrass was observed within the main channel. Copies
of recent seagrass surveys are provided as Appendix F.
Oyster Beds
Scattered clusters of oysters (Crassostrea virginica) are also common along the fringing
mangroves and surrounding the mangrove islands deep within the inlet (Figure 4).
2.3.3 Nearshore Gulf of Mexico
The nearshore Gulf of Mexico classification includes the littoral (intertidal) zone and the
sublittoral (offshore) zone. The littoral zone is inhabited by organisms such as polychaete
worms, crustaceans, and bivalves. Organisms common to the sublittoral zone include annelid
worms, crustaceans, echinoderms, pelecypod and gastropod mollusks, and various species of
crabs and shrimp. In addition, the coastal waters contain a variety of commercial and sport fishes
including snook (Centropomus undecimalis), pompano (Trachinotus carolinus), spotted seatrout
(Cynoscion nebulosus), groupers (Epinephelus and Mycteroperca spp.), snappers (Lu Janus spp.),
redfish (Sciaenops ocellatus) and flounders.
The nearshore Gulf floor consists of a mosaic of carbonate sand, small areas of low- relief
exposed hardbottom, and thin layers of carbonate sand over hardbottom (CSA, 1989). Low relief
hardbottom habitat is located offshore of the project area, ranging from 300 to 500 feet from
shore. Adjacent to Delnor- Wiggins Pass State Park, the hardbottom is as close as 150 -200 feet
from shore. In general, the sand -silt substrate supports a low- diversity, low density soft bottom
assemblage. Organisms frequently associated with the soft bottom include pen shells (Atrina
rigida), tube worms (Chaetopterus variopedatus), fighting conch (Strombus alatus) and various
echinoderms (Lytechinus variegatus, Mellita quinquiesperforata, Astropecten sp., and Luidia
senegalensis). Coastal Planning & Engineering, Inc. (CPE) has conducted detailed mapping of
nearshore hardbottom north and south of Wiggins Pass (Figure 4).
Hardbottom Resources
Hardbottom mapping has been conducted in the nearshore region of Wiggins Pass. Exposed
hardbottom is not known to be present within or near the channels of Wiggins Pass. A rock
substrate has been verified to be located under the sand of the ebb shoal. Data collected since
1979 has shown a rock substrate or ledge exists in the Wiggins Pass ebb shoal. The ledge shown
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COASTAL PLANNING & ENGINEERING, INC.
in Figure 4 was the report location from the 1990's, but recent investigations show it extended
across the ebb shoal.
The most extensive reach of hardbottom is located south of Wiggins Pass, extending south of
FDEP monument R -18; the location of this hardbottom has been verified by remote sensing and
dives by CPE between 2003 and 2009 (Figure 4). Exposed hardbottom is located as close as 600
feet from the shoreline between R -20 and R -21 and over 1,000 feet offshore at R -18. There are
also potential hardbottom resources located north of Wiggins Pass, between R -9.5 and R -11. The
closest potential hardbottom detected during a CPE 1994 side scan survey was approximately
900 ft from R -11. These resources were ground - truthed by Collier County divers in August
2009; divers found hardbottom north of the R -11 transect, and no hardbottom south of the R -11.5
transect. South from R -11.5, the bottom was predominately mud.
CPE has conducted multiple assessments of the biotic community found on the hardbottom south
of Wiggins Pass. Dominant epibiota include macroalgae and sponges, with some octocorals and
scleractinian corals. Common macroalgae genera include Caulerpa, Botryolcladia, Gracilaria,
Hypnea and Sargassum. Bioeroding sponges are also common, including Pione lampa and
Cliona celata. Although soft corals can be locally abundant, diversity is low, with Leptogorgia
virgulata and L. hebes most commonly observed. Stony coral species include Solenastrea
hyades, S. bournoni, Siderastrea siderea, S. radians, Oculina robusta, Cladocora arbuscula and
Phyllangia americana (CPE, 2009).
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rlr,Ulr Y. naturai resources in the vicinity of Wiggins Pass.
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COASTAL PLANNING & ENGINEERING, INC.
3.0 THREATENED AND ENDANGERED SPECIES
A list of threatened and endangered species and species of special concern with the potential to
occur in the project area is presented in Table 2 (Townsend and Olson, 2007; FDEP, 2009).
Complete lists of wildlife and plants which have been observed north and south of Wiggins Pass
can be found in the Barefoot Beach Land Management Plan (Appendix D (species list pp. 5 -10;
listed species pp. 10 -11; natural resource inventory Appendix E; Appendix I)) and Delnor-
Wiggins Pass State Park Unit Management Plan (Appendix E (imperiled species pp. 16 -19;
complete species lists Addendum 4)).
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COASTAL PLANNING & ENGINEERING, INC.
Table 2. Listed species with the potential to occur in nroiect area
Scientific Name Common Name State
Listin 2 L stirs ,A'
INVERTEBRATES
Liguus fasciatus Florida Tree Snail SSC
FISH
Aci enser oxyrinchus desotoi
Gulf Sturgeon
SSC
T
Pristis pectinata
Smalltooth sawfish
E
Rivulus marmoratus
Mangrove Rvulus
SSC
Alligator mississi iensis
American alligator
SSC
T S/A
REPTILES
Caretta caretta caretta
Atlantic loggerhead turtle
T
T
Chelonia m das m das
Atlantic green turtle
E
E
Crocod lus acutus
American crocodile
E
E
Dermochel s coriacea
Leatherback turtle
E
E
Drymarchon corais cou eri
Eastern indigo snake
T
T
Eretmochel s imbricate
Hawksbill turtle
E
E
Go herus polyphemus
Gopher tortoise
SSC
Le idochel s kem ii
Kem 's Ridley Turtle
E
E
Rana ca ito
Gopher frog
SSC
BIRDS
A'aia a'a'a
Roseate spoonbill
SSC
Aramus guarauna
Lim kin
SSC
Charadrius alexandrinus tenuirostris
Southeastern snowy plover
T
Charadrius melodus
Piping lover
T
T
Egretta caerulea
Little blue heron
SSC
ERretta ru escens
Reddish egret
SSC
E retta thula
Snowy egret
SSC
Egretta tricolor
Tricolored heron
SSC
Eudocimus albus
White ibis
SSC
Haematopus palliates
American oystercatcher
SSC
Haliaeetus leucoce halus
Bald eagle
T
T
M cteria americana
Wood stork
E
E
Pelecanus occidentalis
Brown pelican
SSC
Rostrhamus sociabilis
Snail kite
E
E
R ncho s ni er
Black skimmer
SSC
Sterna antillarum
Least tern
T
Sterna dou allii
Roseate tern
T
T
MAMMALS
Eumo s glaucinusfloridanus
Florida mastiff bat
E
Mustela vison
Everglades mink
T
Sciurus ni er avicennia
Mangrove fox squirrel
T
Trichechus manatus latirostris
Florida manatee
E
E
Ursus americanus oridanus
Florida black bear
T
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I
E = Endangered; T = Threatened; T(S /A) = Threatened Due to Similarity of Appearance; Florida Fish and Wildlife
Conservation Commission (list published in Section 39- 27.03 -05, Florida Administrative Code and online at
2
hU:Hendangered .fws.gov /wildlife.htmi); Florida Natural Areas Inventory (FNAI), Collier County Endangered and
3
Threatened species list for Collier County - http: / /www.fnai.or /g fieldguide /search 002.Cfm.L United States Fish and
Wildlife Service (list published in List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants, 50 CFR 17.11-
4
12); National Marine Fisheries Service under National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration list of endangered
and threatened species and critical habitats under the jurisdiction of the NOAA Fisheries Service, Florida - Atlantic
region - http:Hsero.nmfs.noaa.gov /pr /pdf/ Species %2OList /Florida %2OAtiantic pdf
Sea Turtles
Collier County is responsible for the daily survey of 23.7 miles (38.1 km) of beach for sea turtle
activities during sea turtle nesting season (May through October). The Collier County Parks and
Recreation Department surveys 16.9 miles (27.2 km) of beach including Barefoot, Vanderbilt,
Park Shore, and Marco Island. According to the 2010 Collier County Sea Turtle Protection Plan
Annual Report (Kraus et al., 2010), staff documented 422 loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta)
nests during the 2010 season, a moderate increase from 297 nests in 2009. Twenty nests were
documented on the 1.2 mile (1.9 km) beach along Delnor- Wiggins Pass State Park, and 87 nests
were documented on the 3.1 -mile (5 -km) Barefoot Beach survey area. During the 2010 nesting
season, 3.5% (14) of the documented nests were disoriented. Seven percent (31) of the nests
were depredated, which is an increase from four percent last year. A total of 27,142 hatchlings
were estimated to have reached the Gulf of Mexico. The number of successfully emerged
hatchlings represents an increase compared to 19,869 hatchlings that reached the Gulf of Mexico
in 2009. The number of strandings in Collier County was 47 in 2010. This was a slight increase
from 40 in 2009. Data from Collier County Sea Turtle Protection Plan Annual Reports, 2005-
2010, are presented in Tables 3 and 4. Table 3 presents sea turtle nesting data from Barefoot
Beach (R -1 to R -16) and Delnor- Wiggins Pass State Park (R -17 to R -22) between 2005 and
2010; all nests were laid by loggerheads. Nesting data for the immediate project vicinity around
Wiggins Pass (the south end of Barefoot Beach (R -13 to R -16) and the north end of Delnor-
Wiggins (R -17 to R -19)) from 2005 -2010 is provided in Table 4.
Table 3. Barefoot Beach and Delnor- Wiggins Pass State Park sea turtle nesting, 2005 -2010
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2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
BAREFOOT BEACH
Total Nests
72
56
40
75
59
87
Total False Crawls
67
55
33
85
50
90
DELNOR - WIGGINS
Total Nests
15
10
18
17
22
20
Total False Crawls
46
12
20
33
36
20
Total Emergences
61
22
38
50
58
40
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Table 4. Sea turtle nesting adjacent to Wiggins Pass, 2005 -2010
Gopher Tortoises
Habitat for the gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus), a State - listed species of special concern,
exists throughout the beach dune, coastal strand, and maritime hammock of Barefoot Beach Preserve.
Barefoot Beach is one of the remaining few natural barrier islands along the southwest coast of
Florida and is important habitat for the gopher tortoise: a total of 712 burrows were recorded
from June 13 through September 7 of 2009; 186 were recorded as Very Active; 277 were
recorded as Active; 76 were recorded as Inactive; 173 were abandoned (Table 5, Figure 4).
According to Sally Braem, there are about 30 -40 active gopher tortoise burrows in Delnor-
Wiggins Pass State Park (pers. comm., 2011).
Table 5. Summary of gopher tortoise burrow observations for summer 2009
(data obtained from Margie Hamilton. LYonher tortoise biologist for Barefoot Reach)
Size Class:
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
BAREFOOT BEACH (R13 -R16)
Total Nests
13
5
3
16
14
24
Total False Crawls
12
8
8
15
12
17
DELNOR - WIGGINS (R17 -R19)
Total Nests
9
1
8
6
5
13
Total False Crawls
19
2
7
18
19
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Gopher Tortoises
Habitat for the gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus), a State - listed species of special concern,
exists throughout the beach dune, coastal strand, and maritime hammock of Barefoot Beach Preserve.
Barefoot Beach is one of the remaining few natural barrier islands along the southwest coast of
Florida and is important habitat for the gopher tortoise: a total of 712 burrows were recorded
from June 13 through September 7 of 2009; 186 were recorded as Very Active; 277 were
recorded as Active; 76 were recorded as Inactive; 173 were abandoned (Table 5, Figure 4).
According to Sally Braem, there are about 30 -40 active gopher tortoise burrows in Delnor-
Wiggins Pass State Park (pers. comm., 2011).
Table 5. Summary of gopher tortoise burrow observations for summer 2009
(data obtained from Margie Hamilton. LYonher tortoise biologist for Barefoot Reach)
Size Class:
Very Active
Active
Inactive
Adult
173
233
62
Sub Adult
6
34
13
Juvenile
6
9
1
Hatchling
1
1
0
Subtotals:
Abandoned:
Total Burrows:
186 277 76
173
712
Birds
The Barefoot Beach shoreline provides important habitat for several bird species, including
overwintering habitat for piping plovers (Townsend and Olson, 2007). Shorebird surveys within
Delnor- Wiggins have shown that many species of birds utilize the shoreline for feeding or
roosting, but no shorebirds have nested within Delnor- Wiggins Pass State Park since least tern
nest sites were last documented in 1986 and 1987 (FDEP, 2009; Sally Braem, pers. comm.,
2011). No piping plovers have been observed during shorebird surveys in Delnor- Wiggins Pass
State Park (Carolyn Shaw, pers. comm., 2011).
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4.0 CONSERVATION MEASURES
Construction will comply with all permit requirements that will result from coordination with
FDEP, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), USACE, U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service (USFWS), and National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS). Construction
activities will be kept under surveillance, management, and control to minimize interference
with, disturbance of, or damage to wildlife resources, particularly threatened and endangered
species, within the project area. This project will also adhere to LDC 3.04.02, which contains
protection measures for listed species.
Sea Turtles and Smalltooth Sawfish
Construction will adhere to the NMFS "Sea Turtle and Smalltooth Sawfish Construction
Conditions" during construction of this project. All attempts will be made to place fill on the
beach outside of nesting season.
Gopher Tortoises
Project construction will be in accordance with LDC 3.04.02.A.
Manatees
Construction operations will comply with FWC's "2011 Standard Manatee Conditions for In-
Water Work" during construction of this project.
Birds
Shorebirds may be disturbed by construction activities and find quieter areas of the beach to
roost. Shorebird monitoring in and near the project area will be conducted as required by the
FWC.
Seagrass and Oyster Beds
Whenever feasible, turbidity curtains will be utilized to protect seagrass and oyster beds in the
work area from turbidity and sedimentation during construction.
Hardbottom Resources
Hardbottom monitoring will be conducted as required by FDEP.
5.0 LITERATURE CITED
CPE (Coastal Planning, & Engineering), 2009. Collier County, Florida, Beach Renourishment
Project: Two Year (2008) Post - Construction Biological Monitoring Report. Prepared for Collier
County, Florida and Florida Department of Environmental Protection. February, 2009.
Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP), 2009. Delnor- Wiggins Pass State Park
Unit Management Plan. FDEP Division of Recreation and Parks, October 9, 2009.
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COASTAL PLANNING & ENGINEERING, INC.
Kraus, M.C., M.K. Toro, M. Hennig and S. Gonzales, 2010. Collier County Sea Turtle
Protection Plan Annual Report — 2010. Publication Series PR- 10 -01. Collier County Parks and
Recreation Department, March 2011.
Townsend, A. and N. Olson, 2007. Barefoot Beach Preserve Park Land Management Plan.
Submitted to Collier County Board of County Commissioners, December 2007.
This environmental data submittal was prepared by Lauren Floyd, M.S., in compliance with
LDC10.02.02.A.2. Ms. Floyd is a Senior Marine Biologist with Coastal Planning & Engineering,
Inc. with over ten years of experience in biological monitoring in the State of Florida.
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